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Reprogramming the cell material chromatin helped trigger beta-cell gene expression in alpha cells among human and mouse cells, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. "This would be a win-win situation for diabetics -- they would have more insulin-producing beta cells and there would be fewer glucagon-producing alpha cells," said lead author Klaus H. Kaestner.

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Using funding from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Beta-O2 is launching a clinical study of its ßAir device, a bioartificial pancreas that includes insulin- and glucagon-producing Langerhans cells. The trial, which will run for about two years, will test the function, safety and survival of pancreatic endocrine cells implanted in eight patients at a Swedish hospital.

Swiss researchers who experimented on mice discovered that alpha cells in the pancreas are capable of transforming into insulin-producing cells after normal beta cells are damaged. Diabetes experts said more studies should be conducted to determine whether the technique can be applied in patients with Type 1 diabetes, a condition in which the immune system targets insulin-producing beta cells.

Swiss researchers who experimented on mice discovered that alpha cells in the pancreas are capable of transforming into insulin-producing cells after normal beta cells are damaged. Diabetes experts said more studies should be conducted to determine whether the technique can be applied in patients with Type 1 diabetes, a condition in which the immune system targets insulin-producing beta cells.

A process involving signaling molecules TGF-beta and angiopoietin-like 4 makes targeted lung tissues vulnerable to the penetration of breast cancer cells, a U.S. study found. The findings provide fresh insight into the metastasis mechanism of cancer cells, which may lead to further research and the development of new treatments.

A team of U.S. researchers using gene-chip analysis found a difference in the chromatin remodeling pathway, which is also affected in cases of adult chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, of premature newborns with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A researcher said BPD may be prevented by blocking the pathway from being turned on, perhaps with a new group of drugs being developed to treat COPD.